World Bank to support Albania dam safety program

The World Bank has approved a US$35.3 million loan to Albanian Power Corp. (KESH) for dam safety under the Energy Community Southeast Europe APL Program.

The bank said recruitment of consultants will be required for the program, being funded by the bank's International Development Association.

The project is intended to prevent loss of life and property damage resulting from a dam failure. The bank noted dam failure also would cause a major and prolonged loss of hydropower production, resulting in either increased electricity imports or increased load shedding.